Latest NJ Saltwater Fishing Reports

The Ocean Explorer from Belmar experienced that today, despite it turning out to be a nice day at sea, there were hardly any bites where they had found a decent pick Wednesday. Just as last February, the Ocean Explorer will be following the blackfish offshore and to the south where they concluded the season with the largest tog to win the seasonal big pool.

Stripers Forever, the free internet organization fighting for striped bass game fish status all along the Atlantic Coast, sent the following notice about their fundraising auction 2017 Annual Fundraiser Auction Alert NEWS ALERT From the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Interstate fishing managers are considering liberalizing rules for commercial and recreational fishing of striped bass along the East Coast. AUCTION ENDS Saturday, February 18, 2017 9PM EST STRIPERS FOREVER, A NON-PROFIT CONSERVATION ORGANIZATION, SEEKS GAME FISH STATUS FOR WILD STRIPED BASS ON THE ATLANTIC COAST IN ORDER TO SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE STRIPER MORTALITY, TO PROVIDE OPTIMUM AND SUSTAINABLE PUBLIC FISHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ANGLERS, TO SECURE THE GREATEST SOCIO-ECONOMIC VALUE POSSIBLE FROM THE FISHERY AND TO ADVOCATE FOR THE CONSERVATION AND RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP OF WILD STRIPED BASS FROM MAINE TO NORTH CAROLINA.

Joe Greco retired from his home in Edison 26 years ago to live in Ft. Myers, Florida, and has been satisfied with leaving the stripers and fluke behind for the much greater diversity of fishing in tropical waters. The Miami International Boat Show includes lots of fishing tackle, and draws many from N. J. during its run from Feb. 16 to 19 at the Miami Marine Stadium, Park Basin.

The debate about how much protection striped bass require is bout to come up again, after the following was passed at the recent ASMFC meeting ASMFC Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board Initiates Development of Draft Addendum V to Consider Liberalizing Management Measures Alexandra, VA - The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board initiated the development of Draft Addendum V to Amendment 6 to the Atlantic Striped Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP) to consider liberalizing coastwide commercial and recreational regulations. The Board's action responds to concerns raised by Chesapeake Bay jurisdictions regarding continued economic hardship endured by its stakeholders since the implementation of Addendum IV and information from the 2016 assessment update indicating fishing mortality is below the target.

The Jamaica from Brielle reported water temperatures remain around 50 degrees on the far offshore wrecks that produced some catches close to the limit during Saturday's weekly 2 a. m. trip, along with a few ling. Rain is predicted for Tuesday, followed by gusty south winds that may wipe out fishing for a few days.